Today, we greeted another perfect sunrise. Then we took the kayaks out and were the only ones in the entire lagoon. The water was crystal clear, making it easy to look at sea life from our boats. This time, the highlight was 2 Giant Morey eels. Poor unfortunate souls, so sad, so true… We then relaxed and watched the second day of paddling races (the adults instead of the youth racers this time) until it was time to head to the airport to board a tiny little plane to Aitutaki. It was rather cramped, the water they served on the flight was warm, and the van to pick us up had a huge spider that Wendy spotted, but as soon as we arrived at Etu Moana (our new accommodations), all of that was forgotten.
Etu Moana means Sea Star (we think), and truly this place is paradise at its finest. The entire place is a perfectly manicured tropical garden, with a path that meanders past the pool toward the white sand beach into the lagoon just out of our front door. The lagoon is not like Rarotonga. There are no other islands in view, but the coral is better with more diverse fish, healthier coral and blue sea stars everywhere! Mike and I immediately went out to snorkel, Wendy to the pool, and Tom to the poolside to drink in the relaxation and read his book. (I believe he only has about 2-4 more Grisham novels to go until he’s read all of them!) The pool was SO warm and lovely with a huge blue sea star tiled to the bottom that just seemed to call you in. We were enjoying the relaxation on Raratonga, but all four of us had an even greater sense of calm when we got here.
That night, we went to the Tamanu Restaurant for some local fare, and played with the abundant hermit crabs that inhabit the beach. We were also able to confirm that yes, hermit crabs DO climb trees. And rather well, I might add. Wendy and I can’t seem to get enough of them!
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